Indian Path Community Hospital Unveils Modernized Spaces

KINGSPORT, TN – Indian Path Community Hospital is celebrating a new era in patient care and community partnership with the official unveiling of its newly renovated main entrance and the modernized Barbara Humphreys Birthing Center. The transformation is the result of a comprehensive initiative to create a more welcoming, accessible, and healing environment for patients, families, and care teams across the region.

A press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, in the hospital’s redesigned main entrance—now named in honor of Eastman Credit Union (ECU). This recognition reflects ECU’s ongoing commitment to advancing healthcare in the Appalachian Highlands through philanthropy and partnership with the Ballad Health Foundation.

“This project is about more than just updating our facilities—it’s about creating an environment where every patient feels valued, every family feels supported, and every team member is empowered to deliver exceptional care,” said Rebecca Beck, chief executive officer of Holston Valley Medical Center and Indian Path Community Hospital. “We’re proud to welcome our community into a space that truly reflects our mission of high-quality, compassionate care.”

The multi-phase renovation began in January 2023, starting with the transformation of the Barbara Humphreys Birthing Center into a state-of-the-art maternity care destination. The final phase focused on the hospital’s main entrance, creating a central hub that improves wayfinding, accessibility, and comfort—setting the tone for a positive patient journey from the very first step inside.

“This milestone is a testament to the power of community partnership,” said Dwight Owens, administrator and chief operating officer of Indian Path Community Hospital. “With these upgrades, Indian Path is better equipped than ever to serve families throughout our region with modern, efficient, and compassionate care.”

ECU’s partnership with Ballad Health Foundation has also supported other vital initiatives, including the Niswonger Children’s Network and the Barbara Humphreys Birthing Center.

“Eastman Credit Union is honored to support Indian Path Community Hospital and help create spaces that foster healing and comfort for local families,” said Kelly Price, CEO and president of Eastman Credit Union. “We believe in investing in the health and well-being of our community.”

The Barbara Humphreys Birthing Center now features 12 modern labor, delivery, recovery, and postpartum rooms, five additional patient rooms, two triage rooms, an updated nursery, a new waiting area, and enhanced amenities for team members.

“Philanthropy has the power to transform lives, and this project shows what’s possible when our community comes together to support local healthcare,” said Jack Simpson, president of Ballad Health Foundation. “Thanks to generous partners like Eastman Credit Union, we’re creating spaces that elevate the patient experience and support our care teams for generations to come.”

For more information about Indian Path Community Hospital or the Barbara Humphreys Birthing Center, visit www.balladhealth.org.

About Indian Path Community Hospital

Located in Kingsport, Tennessee, Indian Path Community Hospital has been serving our region for the past 50 years. The hospital provides an array of inpatient and outpatient medical and surgical services, as well as emergency care for adults and pediatrics, the Barbara Humphreys Birthing Center, diagnostic imaging services, neurophysiology services, adult and pediatric physical therapy and an accredited center for sleep disorders. Indian Path is also home to a Regional Cancer Center, which provides comprehensive cancer treatment that includes medical and radiation oncology, diagnostic radiology, transfusion, infusion therapies and the Appalachian Highlands’ only gynecological surgical oncology specialist. Indian Path also houses the Barbara Humphreys Birthing Center, which underwent renovations to provide more space and a better care environment for patients. Learn more about Indian Path Community Hospital at www.balladhealth.org/IPCH.

About Eastman Credit Union

Eastman Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee. Serving areas of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and East Texas, ECU is one of the nation's top 40 largest credit unions with over 341,000 members and employs approximately 1,100. For more information about ECU, visit ecu.org. Funds are federally insured by NCUA. Member Equal Housing Lender. Equal Opportunity Employer.